Ratchet and Clank (PS4)

Date Purchased: March 1, 2018
Date Finished: May 28, 2018
Price: Free (Instant Game Collection)

I was pretty excited to get this game free, it had been on my radar for some time but I never pulled the trigger on a sale.  Then it became free and it still took me a couple months to get around to it.  Well, let's just say I'm glad I didn't put down any money for it.  It's not a bad game, it has its merits, it's just a little ... boring.  The platforming is uninspired, and this game being a shooter at it's very core, isn't that interesting of a shooter either.  It has some cool weapons (the pixelator being my favorite, a weapon that turns 3D models into sprites), a charming story, and is one of the nicest looking games I've played ... it's just not that fun.  Too bad.  Pass.

Super Mega Baseball 2 (Xbox One)

Date Purchased: May 1, 2018
Date Finished: May 21, 2018
Price: Free (Games with Gold)

I was a pretty big fan of the original Super Mega Baseball and the sequel is better in every regard.  It's an amazing game that I've become amazingly good at which is rare for a video game.  This is a surprisingly deep simulation with so much customization it will make your head spin if you get into it.  With time and patience you could recreate the entire MLB, the only thing missing would be authentic stadiums.  I primarily play "Pennant Race" which is the online multiplayer version and my record after 50 games or so would be 40-10.  It's become quite dull to play online unfortunately because I keep getting matched with new players.  The odd time I get a good matchup, it's a chess game with my opponent, trying to guess his next pitch or trying to fake him out with my own.  I love this game a lot.  I hope that over time the n00bs will move on and I'll find more "good games" consistently.  Believe it or not it's an early contender for my GOTY.  Highest recommend.  A couple highlights from my online games below.

Great Snag! #SuperMegaBaseball2 #XboxShare pic.twitter.com/QFObvrIh8v

— Jeff Plays Games (@classicgamedude) May 6, 2018

#SuperMegaBaseball2 #XboxShare pic.twitter.com/qHcA1aeysS

— Jeff Plays Games (@classicgamedude) May 10, 2018

Super Hot (Xbox One)

Date Purchased:  March 1, 2018
Date Completed: May 6, 2018
Price: Free (Games with Gold)

Time only moves when you move.  Interesting concept, but does it work?  YES!  It's brilliant, more of a puzzler than a shooter, but you feel like a complete badass when you see your playthrough in real time at the completion of a level.  The story is actually really cool and it's a game unlike anything I've ever played, I highly recommend it.

It's one of the most innovative shooters I've played in years. #SUPERHOT #XboxShare pic.twitter.com/MNO0f4phMt

— Jeff Plays Games (@classicgamedude) May 7, 2018

Everybody's Golf (PS4)

Date Purchased:  March 13, 2018
Date Completed: April 25, 2018
Price: $19.99 (PSN)

My thoughts on this game are exactly the same as they were for Hot Shots Golf on Vita except for one thing, this game doesn't cheat like the Vita game did.  I created a spreadsheet to compete with my cousin Mike and nephew Riley, but they have given up after I crushed their scores.  Like, they can't even compete with me, I feel bad for them, not like, kinda bad, but really bad. 

Recommend.

Stardew Valley (Switch)

Date Purchased: January 12, 2018
Date Completed: March 10, 2018
Price: $16.99 (Eshop)

After seeing this game at the top of the Switches best sellers list and being mildly intrigued I decided to give it a shot and downloaded it.  After a few "years" into the game I feel like I can adequately review it.  After looking at "howlongtobeat.com" I've determined the average play through is about 50 hours, that's roughly what I've put in.  

The game is a "farming simulator" first and foremost, there are other aspects to the game, walking around talking to NPC's, uncovering some of the mysteries of the valley, but frankly idgaf about those things.  My goal was simple, make a sweet ass farm.  I'm not saying those other aspects are bad, some people really love evolving digital relationships, just not me.

The first few seasons are a real grind and a lot of work, but also the most satisfying.  A couple "years" into the game I have irrigations systems in place, more money than I really know what to do with, and the game has since lost it's appeal.  I have a feeling I'll pick it up again one day, but I'm not lying when I say I'm enjoying my break.  

The game has incredible charm and considering I got 50 hours out of a $17 game, it's well worth your investment.  Recommend.

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst (Xbox One)

Date Purchased: February 6, 2018
Date Completed: March 07, 2018
Price: Free (EA Access)

I remember enjoying the first Mirror's Edge game on Xbox 360, so while I'd heard some negative things about this one, I decided it was worth a try despite what the critics were saying.  The game is okay, I got hung up at the beginning about perfecting runs, but when that seemed near impossible, I just mainlined the "story" (which is shit by the way) and completed the campaign.  The graphics are nice, this series has a futuristic minimalistic vibe that I appreciate, the sound minus the voice acting is fine as well.  The gameplay though, I mean it's fun doing all this parkour, but at some point you'll realize you're just following a red line from point A to point B pressing buttons with very generous room for error.  Until the last couple levels, it's like Uncharted platforming, where if you die, it's because you did something really stupid.  Pass.

Crazy Taxi (Xbox 360)

Date Purchsed: February 1, 2018
Date Completed: February 22, 2018
Price: Free (Games with Gold)

I LOVED this game on the Sega Dreamcast back in the day, however when I played it again for free on Xbox, it hasn't aged very well.  There's still something to be appreciated, this really was the first 3D open world go anyhere game that I remember playing, and now there are hundreds of them.  The most disappointing thing is that there's no Offspring in the soundtrack in this version.